Non-Acute Surface Water Treatment Technique Violation Notice

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires that we send you this notice following the October flood event. Austin water is safe to drink and has been since the boil water notice was lifted, but we must fulfill the requirement for sending you this notice.

What was the time period for this treatment technique violation of the 0.3 NTU standard?

It happened at the same time period (Oct 22 – Oct 28) of the boil water notice, so the boil water notice covered this violation time period. Additionally, Austin water has met the standard of 0.3 NTU since October 27, which was prior to lifting the boil water notice.

Do I need to take any further actions for use of water, ice, bathing, etc in my home?

No.

Updated: November 15, 2018

Boil Water Notice is Lifted

Austin Water lifted the boil water notice on Oct. 28, 2018. Customers no longer need to boil water used for drinking, cooking and making ice. Water quality testing submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has confirmed that tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption.

How do I know the water is safe?

Austin Water has worked closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and has followed federal and state laws for rescinding a Boil Water Notice. Microbiological testing has been negative and water disinfection levels are within state-required standards. This also includes meeting adequate water pressure requirements in the distribution system.

Do I need to flush the pipes in my home?

No, it is not necessary or required to flush the pipes in your home. Water has continued to circulate in the distribution system during the Boil Water Notice. Water used for laundry, showering, or boiling for consumption has created enough flushing effect for most homes. There should be no need to flush water from hot water heaters, irrigation systems, showers, clothes washing machines or outdoor faucets.

If you choose to flush water from your pipes, please limit the amount of water you use. We recommend following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines that suggest flushing for two minutes.

What steps do I need to take for my refrigerator water dispenser and ice maker?

We recommend drawing and discarding at least one quart of water from your refrigerator water dispenser before drinking. Automatic ice makers should be emptied of any ice created during the boil water order; allow the machine to make new ice and discard any ice produced during the next 24 hours.

What are the procedures for medical, dental, and food service establishments?

Why did this happen?

This has been an unprecedented event in Austin Water’s more than 100 years of delivering water to Austin residents. Historic flooding created water that showed over 100 times the level of silt and solids typically than found in our source water. This dramatically changed the way our treatment plants needed to operate to produce high quality water, and decreased the amount of water the plants were able to filter. This required us to slow our water treatment process.

Is the Boil Water Notice lifted for communities that receive water from Austin Water, known as wholesale customers?

Are mandatory emergency water-use restrictions still in place?

Will our bills be prorated since we couldn’t use our water?

Throughout the boil water notice period, Austin Water has continued to provide water to its service area that has been safe to use for basic needs and for consumption after boiling. You will only be billed for the water you used.

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With the increased use of bottles water, the City asks residents to recycle all single-use plastic bottles and jugs instead of throwing them in the trash. Those with limited, inconvenient or no access to recycling can drop off plastic bottles, containers at the City’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center located at 2514 Business Center Drive.